Tracking the departures and additions for Duke men’s and women’s basketball this offseason

The 2025 offseason has been transformative for both Duke men’s and women’s basketball programs. Head coach Jon Scheyer and the women’s coaching staff have made strategic moves to bolster their rosters, aiming for success in the upcoming season.

Departures: A Significant Overhaul

The Blue Devils are undergoing a substantial roster transformation, with several key players departing:

• Kyle Filipowski: The 7-foot center, a consensus All-American, declared for the NBA Draft after averaging 16.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
• Jared McCain: A dynamic guard, McCain was selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
• Jeremy Roach: The veteran guard transferred to Baylor, bringing his leadership and experience to the Big 12.
• Mark Mitchell: A versatile forward, Mitchell moved to Missouri to continue his collegiate career.
• Ryan Young: The 6’10” center graduated, concluding his tenure with the Blue Devils.
• Christian Reeves: Transferred to Clemson, seeking more playing time.
• Sean Stewart: Moved to Ohio State, adding depth to their frontcourt.
• TJ Power: Joined Virginia, bringing his shooting prowess to the ACC.
• Jaylen Blakes: Transferred to Stanford, aiming for increased playing opportunities.

These departures have left significant gaps in the roster, particularly in scoring and leadership.

Additions: A Blend of Youth and Experience

To rebuild, Duke has secured a mix of talented freshmen and experienced transfers:

Freshmen Standouts

• Cooper Flagg: The No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, Flagg is a 6’9″ forward known for his defensive prowess and versatility.
• Isaiah Evans: A 6’5″ guard with scoring ability, Evans withdrew from the NBA Draft to develop further at Duke.
• Kon Knueppel: A sharpshooting guard, Knueppel adds perimeter scoring to the lineup.
• Pat Ngongba: A 6’8″ forward, Ngongba brings athleticism and rebounding strength.
• Darren Harris: A 6’6″ wing, Harris offers defensive versatility and scoring potential.
• Khaman Maluach: A 7’2″ center from South Sudan, Maluach adds size and shot-blocking ability.

Transfer Influx

• Sion James: A graduate transfer from Tulane, James averaged 14 points per game last season and is known for his defensive tenacity.
• Maliq Brown: Transferred from Syracuse, Brown is a 6’8″ forward with a strong defensive presence.
• Mason Gillis: A graduate transfer from Purdue, Gillis brings experience and shooting ability, having been the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.
• Cameron Sheffield: A transfer from Rice, Sheffield adds depth to the backcourt.
• Ifeanyi “Iffy” Ufochukwu: A 6’11” center from Rice, Ufochukwu provides additional size and depth in the frontcourt.

These additions aim to provide immediate impact and long-term development, balancing the loss of key players with fresh talent and experience.

Departures: Maintaining Core Strength

The women’s team has experienced minimal roster turnover:

• Jada Boyd: The 6’2″ forward declared for the WNBA Draft after a standout season.
• Mikayla Boykin: Transferred to another program to seek more playing time.

These departures have opened opportunities for incoming players to step into significant roles.

The coaching staff has focused on adding depth and skill to the roster:

• Samantha Brown: A 6’3″ forward from Texas, Brown is known for her rebounding and defensive capabilities.
• Olivia Harris: A 5’10” guard from California, Harris brings scoring ability and perimeter shooting.
• Emily Davis: A 6’0″ wing from Georgia, Davis adds athleticism and versatility to the lineup.

These additions aim to bolster the team’s depth and provide additional scoring options.

Both Duke basketball programs have made calculated decisions to strengthen their rosters:

• Men’s Team: Focused on blending experienced transfers with top-tier freshmen to